Formulating Shariah Compliant Ethical Code for Tourists in Malaysia

Abstract

Halal tourism industry in Malaysia is known across the world especially among Muslim countries. In fact, there are various efforts and facilities being provided by the Malaysian government to attract foreign tourists from all over the world and together to expose them with the Malaysian customs, cultures, as well as social life. Thus, the industry has been tremendously grown and currently, Malaysia has become a popular destination for international tourists especially from Southeast Asia and Middle East. However, recently, tourism industry has faced many challenges from the hoteliers, tourists, as well as local communities such as misbehavior, unethical dressing, drug smuggling, illegal prostitutions, crimes, and the like. Thus, this study aims to formulate a specific and legal ethical code based on Shariah principles in monitoring tourists and harmonizing the tourism industry with Malaysian culture in respect of tourists’ activities, dressing attitude, behavior, and action. This paper adopts qualitative method where analysis is conducted on several variables such as activities, dressing, attitude, and action. The finding discovered that an Islamic ethic in the form of interaction, dressing, social activities, and attitude should be observed and respected by tourists in line with Malaysian culture and Shariah values. The result of this study can impart knowledge and information to all parties concerned, thus providing the government, industrial tourism, and the authoritative body involved toward implementing an ethical and Shariah compliant tourism in future.